Rare Rabies Case in Perpignan Claims Life of Man in His thirties, Nurse Receives Post-Exposure Treatment
Perpignan, France – A man in his thirties has died from rabies at a hospital in Perpignan, marking only the 26th confirmed case of the viral disease in France since 1970. The incident has prompted an epidemiological inquiry to determine the source of the infection and potential exposure pathways, with hospital staff confirming the nursing team had been vaccinated against rabies prior to this event.
This case underscores the continued, albeit rare, risk of rabies transmission, especially for individuals traveling to regions were the virus remains endemic. While largely eradicated in Western Europe, imported cases and, less frequently, indigenous infections continue to occur, highlighting the importance of vigilance and preventative measures. The recent death serves as a critical reminder of the severity of rabies and the necessity of prompt medical attention following potential animal exposure.
According to a hospital employee, the patient exhibited classic rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia – a pronounced fear of water – alongside severe convulsions. He required intensive care and sedation in a specialized resuscitation unit to manage the escalating neurological crises.Medical staff attempted to induce a coma using opiates, but the interventions proved unsuccessful.
Prior to hospitalization, the man had recently returned from a trip to the Maghreb region of North Africa and presented with “scarifications on his back,” according to reports. During a medical procedure, a nurse experienced a potential exposure when a droplet of the patient’s fluids contacted her arm. As a precautionary measure, she promptly underwent a three-dose rabies vaccination series.
This fatality represents the 26th case of rabies in France in the last 55 years, comprised of 23 imported cases and 2 originating within the country.Earlier in 2023, a french woman contracted rabies after being injured by a cat during travel in the Maghreb, ultimately succumbing to the illness despite treatment received at a hospital in Reims.
